Maine Coon owners are not unfamiliar with fur tornadoes. If you’re a new pawrent, you’ll want to know everything about how to brush them to prevent fur tumbleweeds from rolling around in your house.
Brushing your Maine Coon the right way requires proper tools and knowing various techniques for different hair. Not brushing regularly can result in matting, skin conditions, and behavioral issues.
This post covers everything about brushing – dealing with mats, using the right brushes, and more.
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Why Brushing Your Stately Coon Companion is Important?
Unlike short-haired breeds, Maine Coons require regular brushing – you simply can’t neglect it. Otherwise, it can lead to some serious problems for you and your cat.
The first issue is matting, which is quite common in Maine Coons. Mats are tight knots in the hair that can’t be brushed out easily. They can quickly become painful for the cat as it tugs on the skin and blocks airflow in the area.
This, in turn, leads to skin conditions and behavioral problems. Don’t be surprised if a heavily matted cat is irritated or even aggressive – they’re in extreme discomfort!
Brushing them regularly distributes the natural oils throughout the coat, keeping it smooth and shiny. It will also remove excess dead hair – another culprit behind matting. If you don’t de-shed your cat often enough, it can also cause hairballs and blockages in the digestive tract – a life-threatening situation.
Brushing also gives you the chance to inspect your cat’s skin regularly, as skin conditions can often go undetected. You’ll also prevent your cat from leaving generous sprinkles of hair on your clothes and furniture – nobody enjoys that.
Using the Right Brushes
You know what’s the secret behind felines emerging with that show cat look from the groomers? Using the right tools. No one rule fits all, though, as different Maine Coons might require different brushes for their coats, and some might prefer one brush over the other. It’s all about finding the right tools for your cat.
That said, there’s one tool that’s necessary for grooming all Maine Coons – a metal comb. This comb has long, sturdy, and fine metal teeth that can dig deep into the hair. It’s a must-have for detangling long-haired cats like Maine Coons that are double-coated.
Another important aspect of brushing your Maine Coon is de-shedding. Simply brushing the top layers won’t remove hair properly, since Maine Coons shed undercoats too.
Now, there are various de-shedding tools available, and here we recommend the best Maine Coon cat brushes for you.
One of these products is called the EquiGroomer Deshedding Brush. Its rake is great for those Maine Coons that are extra fluffy, as it pulls out the dense undercoat hair with its long curved teeth. Meanwhile, the Equigroomer has short small teeth that only remove hair from the top coat without going into the deeper layers – perfect for those cats that hate pulling and tugging.
Finally, there’s the slicker brush. This brush has densely packed, bent wire pins that do a bit of everything – removing debris, dead hair, and detangling. It can be used for everyday brushing and for giving cats that extra volume and fluff, although it’s not effective for heavy undercoats.
You definitely don’t need to get all of these brushes – just those that fit the coat’s needs (and your cat’s temperament).
Techniques for Brushing Your Grand Feline Coon
1. Everyday Brushing
Maine Coons require brushing a few times every week, and if you do your grooming duties diligently, the task should take a mere 5-10 minutes at most.
Begin by settling down your cat on your lap or wherever it’s most comfortable. After this, spray the hair with some water so it’s damp – not wet. This will prevent static that gets in the way of brushing. Divide your work into sections – the neck, back, hips, and the belly.
Using your metal comb, brush the hair in the direction of the hair growth, and start with the ‘safe areas’ first, such as the back. Work your way down your Maine Coon’s back, and make sure you use a firm hand to really dig into the deeper layers of the coat. Be sure you don’t scratch the skin, though.
Next, use a slicker brush to brush out the tail. You can try holding the tail, but most cats don’t allow this. If that’s the case, hold the hair from the base and quickly run your brush a few times over one area before making your way down.
Don’t use the metal comb here, as it tends to pull out more hair than necessary and might make the tail look too thin.
Save the belly for the last – this is where many kitty timers run out and they flee. Gently run the metal comb over the chest and belly – don’t apply too much pressure here, as this area is sensitive. At this point, you might have to ask someone to help you hold your cat in place.
Note: you can use a slicker brush for everyday brushing too, or you can use it in combination with your metal comb. The brush will remove dirt and debris while the comb will ensure you brush all the layers of the hair thoroughly.
Once you’re done brushing your Maine Coon, don’t forget to give some treats as a peace offering.
2. De-matting
Despite brushing regularly, Maine Coons can still develop mats and tangles in their fur. If your cat has a few mats, you should remove them ASAP before they get tighter and bigger. They’ll become painful otherwise, and you might have to get the luscious coat shaved.
To remove mats from your Maine Coon, make sure it’s relaxed and lounging – you can find them in this state right after a big meal. Begin by lightly going over the coat with a metal comb to spot the tangles and mats.
Now spray some detangling spray on the hair, focusing on the mats. These sprays contain ingredients like aloe vera and natural oils like sweet almond oil, all of which help loosen up knots. Rub it in to get it inside all the knots, and try to lightly pull apart the hair with your fingers before using a brush.
Assuming the mat is on the upper layers, start by firmly holding the hair from the base. This will ensure the comb doesn’t tug too hard on the hair.
Now use a narrow set metal comb to gently brush the mat. Use short strokes, and work your way from the tip of the mat towards the base where you’re holding the hair. Do not begin the other way around, or you might pull too hard. Use a light hand for the entire process.
Note: I don’t recommend using de-matting brushes with blades on them, as they can cut the skin.
Loosening up mats can take time, so be patient and most importantly, be gentle. Keep removing the hair from the comb as it accumulates, and continue with the short strokes till the hair is smooth.
When to See a Professional Groomer
Matting is no joke, which is why it’s important to seek help when it gets too bad. If your cat has too many mats on their fur, you’ll have to see a professional groomer who will take on the long procedure while effectively keeping your cat calm. This won’t be possible at home.
If the mats on your Maine Coon are formed at the base of the hair or are too close to the skin, they’ll be too tight for you to brush out. Chances are, you’ll have to get those shaved out, and only a professional can safely trim hair that close to the skin.
3. Removing Dense Undercoats
Before winter and during spring is when most Maine Coons shed their coats in preparation for the new weather. You’ll notice lots of hair all around the house, which is why you’ll need to up your grooming game a bit.
Maine Coons are double-coated, and the undercoat sheds heavily during shedding season. Removing these dead hair properly is essential or they can build up and turn into mats.
Start by running your trusty metal comb all over your Maine Coons body, removing whatever dead hair it catches in its teeth from the top layer. You can also use the Equigroomer for this. After this, dampen the hair with water, and bring out the big guns – an undercoat rake.
Using the curved side, brush the hair in the direction of the hair growth, and you’ll notice mounds of hair coming off. Remove it from your cat’s body before going in with the rake again. You might have to apply slight pressure to get the hair out from within all that fluff, so your brush must have rounded and blunt teeth.
Make sure you get the belly too, even if your cat hates it. Thinning the undercoat is necessary not just for preventing mats, but also for helping your kitty cool down during the warmer months.
Once you notice the brush isn’t catching enough hair on the teeth, stop. You don’t want to remove unnecessary hair!
How Often Should I Brush My Cat?
During non-shedding season, you’ll want to brush 2-3 times per week, but ideally, do it every alternative day. This will keep the coat in top condition, especially if your cat goes outdoors.
Shedding season will require you to be brushing your Maine Coon at least 5-6 times a week. You don’t have to use the undercoat rake every time – only when you feel your cat is shedding a lot more than usual.
Final Thoughts
In concluding our guide to brushing your Maine Coon cat, remember that this grooming routine is not just about aesthetics; it’s a vital element of your cat’s health and happiness. The right tools, including the essential metal comb and specialized de-shedding brushes, make the process more effective and tailored to your cat’s unique needs. Whether you’re engaged in everyday brushing or tackling challenges like de-matting and removing dense undercoats, patience and gentleness ensure a positive grooming experience.
So, embrace this grooming ritual as a bonding time with your feline friend, demonstrating love and care. With each stroke, you contribute to a life of comfort and well-being, ensuring your Maine Coon enjoys a healthy, shiny coat. Happy grooming to all Maine Coon enthusiasts!
Certainly! If you’re intrigued by the idea of exploring the ins and outs of grooming your Maine Coon at home, delve into our comprehensive guide for more valuable information.
